It is 5:30 a.m. My room is still dark except for the bright red numbers on the digital alarm clock above my bed. It’s quiet. I love this moment when I can ease into my day by speaking in tongues. I’m thankful God made it so simple to praise Him and pray perfectly. Slowly, at first, my mind begins to rehearse the events and numerous responsibilities of the day. As my thoughts begin to pick up the pace, I continue to pray with confidence that I can handle this day. I am going to let the peace of God rule; I’ll move through the day applying keys that help me overcome the obstacle course that life can sometimes be. After all, God’s Word declares, “For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall” (II Samuel 22:30).
Peace is a state of quiet and inner tranquillity, freedom from agitation. The Old Testament word for peace, shalom, means completeness, soundness, well-being. Acting on the revealed Word of God and living it moment by moment allows the peace of God, that inner tranquillity and well-being, to rule in our hearts.
Colossians 3:15:
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
The word “rule” in this verse is the Greek word brabeuō. It means to act as judge or umpire. In baseball, umpires enforce the rules of the game. They are required to make split-second decisions on ninety-mile-an-hour fastballs and sharply breaking curveballs. They must be confident under pressure, handling players, managers, and even a stadium of irate and booing fans. One article noted that the ideal umpire should include “the integrity of a Supreme Court justice,” “the physical agility of an acrobat,” and “the endurance of Job.” In Colossians 3:15, we are to allow the peace of God to rule, or act as the umpire in our hearts, calling the shots in life’s varied situations. We do this by renewing our minds to the Word of God.
Renewing the mind is the process by which a person decides to put in his mind that which God created him to be spiritually. We put on godly thoughts by studying God’s Word, recognizing our position in Christ as sons of God, practicing the presence of God, and living love. These are four steps to renewing the mind. Understanding and applying these steps to renewing the mind will lead us to the peace of God and allow it to rule in our hearts. Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps.
The first step is to study God’s Word. To study God’s Word, we’ve got to read it; we consider what it says. We read the Word in detail with the intention of learning. When we study God’s Word, we give it careful consideration. Why? Because it is through His Word that we acquire the knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This knowledge empowers us to receive the promises of God. Studying God’s Word is part of my daily routine. I think about a promise God has given to me, and I make up my mind to claim it. That’s part of the renewed mind.
II Peter 1:2 and 3:
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.
Through the knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, peace is multiplied: that’s peace times peace times peace. Can we ever have too much peace? I don’t think so. In our fast-paced world, peace is a rare and unique quality of life that people yearn for. It was my number one desire in life. However, not until someone taught me God’s Word did I truly find peace. Studying God’s Word opens the door to God’s heart and His peace.
In addition, since God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness, studying His Word gives us clear direction in life. When we have clear direction, we have peace. The Word promises great peace.
Psalms 119:165:
Great peace have they which love thy law….
If I am driving my car to a place I have never been before, I am so thankful to have clear directions. I especially love it when I am given not only street names to follow but also landmarks: “Turn right on Elm Street, after the big brick house with green shutters.”
Studying God’s Word helps us to recognize renewed-mind landmarks, which are truths in life to help us know where to turn our thoughts. For example, the Word unfolded in The Way of Abundance and Power series shows us landmarks of truth on how to believe, who we are in Christ, and how to walk in fellowship with our heavenly Father. As we turn our thoughts to these truths, we can reach our desired destination of knowing God. We can walk with the fullness He desires for our lives, including prosperity and health, long life and peace….
This is an excerpt from the September/October 2011 issue of The Way Magazine.
Copyright© 2011 by The Way International. All rights reserved.
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